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HOW TO: Install APK Files From Your Computer

Here’s a quick tutorial for new Desire owners on how to install Android applications (.apk files) onto your HTC Desire:

Download Astro File Manager from the Market

Connect your phone to computer in disk drive mode (connect to USB cable, select Disk Drive from the options that appear on the phone, press Done)

Copy the APK file to the SD card (anywhere you like)

Disconnect phone from computer (remembering to Safely Eject first)

Open Astro and browse to the file

Select the file and choose the Open App Manager option

Press the Install button

If you get a message saying: “Install Blocked. For security, your phone is set to block installation of applications not sourced in Android Market”, go to Settings > Applications > check the box which says Unknown Sources

Notes

Make sure that any apk files you download are from a reputable source

If you’re concerned about phone security then turn the Unknown Sources option in Step #7 off again after installation